An online training and leadership platform built specifically for independent pet retailers, has launched with six complete courses designed for every level, from new hires to seasoned owners. bloom /loop blends real-world retail experience with repeatable systems to improve onboarding, customer conversations and leadership. Topics include sales and service training, retail … [Read more...]
Pet safety tips: Avoid troubles from counters, treats and holiday distractions
Sponsor Content The holidays can spell trouble for pets as decorations, holiday treats and those wondrous new smells fill the home. Add in the distractions from guests and gatherings and it’s easy for curious cats and dogs to get into trouble. AHD Sponsor, ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance Program, has effective pet safety reminders available to share with pet owners. They are … [Read more...]
Wolf uses net to trap a crab
Researchers may have documented the first evidence of a wolf using a tool, according to footage published in the journal “Ecology and Evolution.” In the video captured last year, a wolf used a fishing float to bring a crab trap to shore. Once she could reach the trap, she tore it open and ate the bait that was being used to catch an invasive crab species. Source: The … [Read more...]
Study reveals T cells drive PRRSV vaccine protection
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus is one of the fastest-mutating RNA viruses that veterinarians face. Although current vaccines offer protection, the rapid mutation of PRRSV means that vaccinated pigs cannot produce a consistent or effective broadly neutralizing antibody response. Current vaccines are successful in helping the body identify and attack pieces … [Read more...]
Airborne H5N1 may be a factor in outbreaks
If bird flu is airborne, the government’s current biosecurity-based strategy cannot protect farms on its own, writes Nat Lash, an investigative journalist. He recounts how he followed a hunch that wind and dust may contribute to the spread of bird flu. Lash used genetic markers, satellite imagery, property records, trade notices, wind simulations and Google Street View to … [Read more...]
New clinic is 76th CityVet location, first in Orlando
Opening on Monday, November 24, 2025, the CityVet Lake Nona will be led and owned by Dr. Heather Lipp. Located at 14152 Narcoossee Rd, Suite 350, Orlando, FL 32832, this is CityVet’s first Orlando-area location. Source: Pet Age, November 17, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Animal Health International acquires Redbook Software
Redbook Software Inc., is a Colorado-based software company specializing in cloud-based financial operating systems for feedyards. This strategic investment enhances Animal Health International’s software portfolio by adding a mobile-first, scalable and user-friendly solution designed for cattle producers wanting real-time information. Source: BEEF, November 17, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 20, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 13, 2025. Link. Most read posts from November 13, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Ownership model frames lasting change. Link. Vaccine hesitancy and the importance of client communication. Link. Winning loyalty in a price-sensitive market. Link. The three best questions to ask at the end of a job … [Read more...]
Winning loyalty in a price-sensitive market
Bizrate Insights surveyed a representative sample of 1,044 U.S. online shoppers aged 18+ in August 2025 to explore consumer loyalty, what matters most now and how businesses can adapt to keep customers coming back, even in uncertain times. Their responses include pet care as a category. The results show that almost 90 percent of shoppers changed their purchasing behavior … [Read more...]
Support the KCAHC workforce initiative
When holiday groups gather, there are often discussions about graduating early, careers, job changes and opportunities for self-advancement. The animal health industry has opportunities for all types of people. That is the objective for the “What is Animal Health” workforce recruitment initiative. The “What is Animal Health” handout makes it easy to share the scale and impact … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 10, 2025
From the blog: Protect your pet care business with key cybersecurity measures. Link. Member benefits: Build an app with Doxieworks. 15 percent member discount Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 6, 2025. Link. NASC seal extended to treats, gratitude, delegation, feline behaviors, “They Ate What?” and more! Legislative update: New Jersey S4804; … [Read more...]
Promising research in feline regenerative medicine
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have successfully generated feline embryonic stem cells using lab-grown blastocysts. Their innovative approach resulted in the creation of pluripotent embryonic stem cells that can remain undifferentiated or differentiate into the three germ layers: endoderm, ectoderm and mesoderm. The cells can transform into a wide variety of cell … [Read more...]
H5N1 influenza, ostriches and a debacle of unnecessary proportion
Scott Weese, DVM, recaps the bird flu fiasco on a British Columbia ostrich farm. The incident shared in his article underscores the importance of mandated reporting for all producers, regardless of species. “A producer’s errant choice went from an issue with one group of infected birds to having a convoy on the (quarantined) farm, massive misinformation, dodgy “media” … [Read more...]
Vanguard® Recombishield™ Injectable added to Zoetis kennel cough vaccines
Zoetis now offers a suite of intranasal, oral and injectable Bordetella vaccination delivery options with the addition of Vanguard® Recombishield™ (Bordetella bronchiseptica vaccine).The product is a non-adjuvanted, recombinant injectable vaccine for dogs 8 weeks and older, and the first and only vaccine for dogs with pertactin protein, which helps the immune system effectively … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 13, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, November 6, 2025. Link. Most read posts from November 6, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Speed eating cats, skateboarding dogs . . . Thailand’s pet boom. Link. Everyday cat behaviors, early health signals, behavioral, bonding trends. Link. Gratitude is never garbage. Link. If you don’t train, don’t complain. … [Read more...]
The 2025 “They Ate What?!” X-ray contest results are in. You’re invited to score, too!
We look forward to seeing the images from these outrageous cases every year. As you review the entries, VPN asks you to score each one. The entry with the highest average score will be crowned this year's People's Choice. Voting runs from October 22nd to December 31st. Source: Veterinary Practice News, October 22, 2025. Link. Image: Link. … [Read more...]
Speed eating cats, skateboarding dogs highlight Thailand’s pet boom
Kimmon, a mixed-breed cat, recently scarfed one tablespoon of a salmon treat in 49.42 seconds to win a competitive eating contest for cats. It’s called “cat licking” in Thailand and is but one of many pet competitions there. Others include cats that look like cows, skateboarding dogs and orange-colored cats. These are indicative of Thailand’s fast-growing pet industry, … [Read more...]
The Bridge Club seeks participation in ethics survey
Please consider the Ethics Survey, sharing your insight on experiences where you may have been asked to do something in the workplace that crossed a moral, ethical, or legal line. The Bridge Club wants to update earlier findings that showed 57 percent of veterinarians faced ethical dilemmas on a weekly basis. Your perspective will help identify what has changed, what … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – November 3, 2025
From the blog: Emerging trends in pet ownership: what they mean for pet care businesses. Link. Industry news: Petflation 2025 – September Update: Jumps up to +3.5% vs Last Year. Link. PadsPass is solving pet travel for clients and veterinarians in time for the holidays. Link. Member benefits: Discounted pricing on background screening reports from … [Read more...]
November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month
If you or your clients are considering adopting a new pet, but want one that is calm and likely trained in the basics, a senior pet may fit the bill. Plus, they tend to be less work than youngsters and can provide companionship and fun for years. If adoption isn’t possible, consider volunteering at a shelter, making a donation or taking a senior pet for a day. Sources: … [Read more...]
Scientists focus on genetically engineering mice to cut Lyme disease transmission
Scientists hope to use genetic engineering to reduce the transmission of Lyme disease. The scientists' target is not the deer and ticks associated with the disease, but wild, White-footed mice, the main carriers of Lyme. The teams of scientists are engineering changes in the genetic makeup of the mice by adding a gene for an antibody that prevents Lyme infection to a mouse … [Read more...]
Chewy to acquire SmartEquine from Covetrus, Inc.
Chewy, Inc., has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire SmartPak Equine, LLC, from Covetrus, Inc. This acquisition strengthens Chewy’s position as a leader in the equine category and accelerates its expansion into higher-margin health and wellness verticals. Source: Chewy, October 30, 2025. Link. The all-cash transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and other … [Read more...]
98th FFA Convention posts record attendance
The 98th National FFA Convention & Expo has closed after welcoming a record-breaking 73,000-plus attendees from across the country to downtown Indianapolis. On-site attendees in the Expo Hall braided more than 70,000 feet of paracord to make 1,541 dog leashes for Indy Humane as part of their Living to Serve initiative. Source: AgriMarketing, November 3, 2025. Link. 5,161 … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – November 6, 2025
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, October 30, 2025. Link. Most read posts from October 30, 2025 AHD Bulletin – Convenience, connection matter just as much as price. Link. Canine sports medicine has a promising future. Link. It is time to communicate about pet holiday safety. Link. The power of your brain. Link. The empathy … [Read more...]
Canine sports medicine has a promising future
The American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation’s new Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency program is generating excitement about specialty training that will benefit any pet with mobility challenges. The program kicked off in July 2025 with residents and mentors at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and Colorado State University College … [Read more...]
It is time to communicate about pet holiday safety
Halloween ranks third for holiday candy-related pet claims, behind Christmas and Thanksgiving, according to data from Independence Pet Group. Independence Pet Holdings’ Jennifer Sperry, DVM, shares tips and an informative infographic about pet safety during this spooky season here <Link>. Thanksgiving kicks off the official winter holiday season, which is now under … [Read more...]
IBPSA Fast Bites – October 27, 2025
From the IBPSA blog: Termageddon is offering IBPSA members a 10 percent discount on website compliance service to manage risk from a growing list of privacy laws <Link>. Gallagher offers IBPSA members affordable, comprehensive health insurance and pharmacy solutions designed specifically for individuals, families, and business owners with options available … [Read more...]
First open-source dairy farm ‘digital twin’ unveiled
Amazing new technology lets dairy producers get closer to cows from farther away and it is open-source. Scotland’s Rural College Dairy Research Centre, has unveiled farm-twin, the world’s first open-source Digital Twin platform designed specifically to transform dairy farming. By replicating the physical environment in a digital space, it enables farmers to monitor … [Read more...]
FDA grants emergency use authorization for Elanco’s Credelio against New World screwworms in dogs
The FDA's emergency use of Credelio is temporary and only valid while the threat of screwworm remains. This is the first time the FDA has granted such an authorization for treating New World screwworm. Elanco warned that Credelio, part of a drug class called isoxazolines, has been linked to side effects such as tremors and seizures in some dogs. Source: Reuters, October 24, … [Read more...]
BiomEdit awarded $2 million to develop AI model reducing cattle methane emissions
BiomEdit, an animal health biotechnology company, has received nearly $2 million from the Bezos Earth Fund’s AI for Climate and Nature Grand Challenge to develop the Rumen Digital Twin, an artificial intelligence model aimed at reducing methane emissions in cattle while enhancing productivity and welfare. Source: Feed & Grain, October 24, 2025. Link. … [Read more...]